Healthy Broccoli Slaw with Yogurt Dressing

5 from 1 vote

Published May 18, 2026

This healthy broccoli slaw is creamy, crunchy, and packed with fresh vegetables, giving you a lighter, more balanced side dish that still tastes rich and satisfying.

For more creamy slaws and salads, try our Greek yogurt coleslaw, Apple coleslaw, and Healthy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad.

Creamy broccoli slaw with carrots, cabbage, and sunflower seeds served on a colorful platter.

Why you’ll love this creamy broccoli slaw!

Louise and I make salads like this all summer because sometimes the “healthy option” at cookouts and BBQs is still drenched in mayonnaise 🥦☀️

This healthy broccoli slaw is our lighter take on the classic. It’s creamy, crunchy, satisfying, and packed with fresh vegetables, but without the heavy mayo overload. You still get all the comfort and flavor, just with a more balanced yogurt dressing that actually lets the broccoli shine.

We love serving it with burgers, grilled foods, or sandwiches because it adds something fresh and colorful to the table 🥕✨

It’s simple to make, naturally low in saturated fat, fiber-rich, and proof that a healthier broccoli salad can still taste genuinely delicious.

P.S: For more healthy picnic salads, try our Greek yogurt potato salad, Greek yogurt macaroni salad, and creamy cucumber salad.

Ingredients

Full ingredients and substitutions are in the recipe box below.

Broccoli, carrots, red cabbage, Greek yogurt, mustard, and sunflower seeds on a marble counter.

Broccoli: use both the florets and stem for the best crunchy broccoli salad texture. You can also use a bag of pre-shredded broccoli slaw mix for convenience.
Carrots: add sweetness and color. Substitute shredded Brussels sprouts or extra red cabbage if preferred.
Red cabbage: makes this homemade broccoli slaw extra fresh and colorful. Green cabbage works too, with a slightly milder flavor.
Greek yogurt: creates a creamy broccoli slaw without heavy mayo. Substitute low-fat Greek yogurt, Skyr for even more protein, or plain dairy-free yogurt.
Mayonnaise: optional, just a tablespoon or two adds a richer classic flavor. You can skip it and just use Greek yogurt if you prefer.
Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice: brings brightness and balance. White wine vinegar or red wine vinegar also work well.
Dijon mustard: adds depth and helps the dressing taste creamy and balanced. Yellow mustard works too.
Honey: optional, for a touch of sweetness. Maple syrup or agave are good substitutes.
Add-ins: customize with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, raisins, chopped almonds, pistachios, walnuts, or even diced apples.

Close-up of broccoli slaw with creamy yogurt dressing and crunchy sunflower seeds in natural light.

How to Make Broccoli Slaw

Step 1: Prep the vegetables

Cut the broccoli florets into very small bite-size pieces.

Trim the dry end from the stem. Peel the tough outer layer, then shred the tender inside with a box grater or food processor. You can also thinly cut it with a knife.

Add the broccoli, shredded carrots, and thinly sliced red cabbage to a large mixing bowl.

This is the base of your easy broccoli slaw recipe, so try to cut everything small and thin to make the salad easier to eat.

Step 1 Broccoli, carrots, and cabbage in a bowl before adding dressing.

Step 2: Make the yogurt dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and honey if using.

Add one to two tablespoons of mayonnaise if you want a richer flavor.

The dressing should taste bright and a little tangy. It will mellow once mixed with the vegetables.

Step 2 Greek yogurt dressing whisked in a small bowl with mustard and vinegar.

Step 3: Toss the slaw

Pour the dressing over the vegetables.

Toss well until every piece is lightly coated. At first, it may look like there is not enough dressing, but keep tossing.

The vegetables will soften slightly and release a little moisture.

Step 3 Tossed broccoli slaw resting before serving on a platter.

Step 4: Add crunch and rest

Stir in the sunflower seeds or your favorite add-ins.

Let the slaw rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This makes the broccoli softer, the dressing creamier, and the flavor better.

Serve this broccoli salad with Greek yogurt as a fresh side for burgers, sandwiches, grilled foods, or simple weeknight dinners.

Step 4 Serving the slaw on a platter with a spoon.

Tips

Use bagged broccoli slaw for convenience: A store-bought slaw mix makes this recipe much faster on busy days.
Cut the broccoli small: Tiny pieces make the slaw easier to eat and help the dressing coat every bite.
Don’t skip the broccoli stem: Peel the tough outer layer first, then shred the inside. It’s crunchy, sweet, and perfect in slaw.
Let the slaw rest before serving: Even 10 minutes helps the broccoli soften slightly and makes the dressing taste creamier.
Taste the dressing before mixing: The dressing should taste slightly tangy and well-seasoned on its own because the vegetables mellow the flavor.
Use toasted nuts or seeds if possible: Toasted sunflower seeds or almonds add more flavor and crunch.
For extra protein: Use low-fat Greek yogurt or Skyr in the dressing for a thicker, more protein-rich salad.
Make it ahead: This salad keeps well in the fridge for about 2 days, making it great for meal prep and cookouts.
Customize the texture: Add dried cranberries, raisins, apples, or chopped nuts if you like a sweeter or crunchier slaw.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to store this broccoli slaw?

Store the broccoli slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The vegetables soften slightly as they sit, but the salad stays creamy and flavorful.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. This healthy broccoli salad is great for meal prep, picnics, and cookouts because the broccoli holds its crunch better than lettuce-based salads.

Can I use store-bought broccoli slaw mix?

Absolutely. A bag of broccoli slaw mix is a great shortcut and makes this recipe much faster on busy days.

Can I make broccoli slaw without mayo?

Yes. This recipe already uses mostly Greek yogurt, so it tastes creamy and fresh without relying on lots of mayonnaise.

What can I add to broccoli slaw?

You can customize it with dried cranberries, raisins, apples, pumpkin seeds, chopped nuts, fresh herbs, or sunflower seeds for extra crunch and flavor.